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Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: I wish I'd played at Celtic

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Image: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking forward to sampling the Celtic Park atmosphere

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is "envious" of his Molde players who get the chance to play at Celtic Park on Thursday night.

The former Manchester United striker scored some important goals at important venues, no less than the winner at the Nou Camp against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final.

But one ground that eluded the former Norwegian striker was the home of Molde's opponents in the Europa League this week.

"It is a fantastic place to play football and I am sure all the boys are looking forward to it," said Solskjaer.

"I have only been here as a spectator before. I never had the chance to walk out to the pitch so in one way I am very envious of the players who will feel the atmosphere tomorrow night.

Molde's Vegard Forren (right) celebrates after doubling his side's lead v Celtic in the UEFA Europa League
Image: Molde's Vegard Forren (right) celebrates scoring in Molde's 3-1 win last month

"The atmosphere here could probably match the top clubs in the world like Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid."

Solskjaer, 42, scored against Celtic in the Champions League at Old Trafford in September 2006 but it still rankles that he missed the return game in Glasgow two months later through injury.

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The Molde manager had to make do with visits to the famous stadium as a guest of former United team-mate Roy Keane, who latterly had a spell with the Hoops.

"I was here with Roy Keane to watch a couple of games and it is fantastic, it is like football should be," continued Solskjaer. "It was a Champions League game if I remember correctly - they never asked for tickets from Roy, they just opened the door so he could walk straight through.

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Celtic manager Ronny Deila has confirmed that Scott Brown will miss the Europa League tie against Molde through injury

"Celtic was always the team to go to when my team-mates had testimonial games, Roy for example. There was a fantastic atmosphere between the clubs and supporters and it is one of the stadiums I wished I had played in."

Molde sit top of Group A with seven points from three games. Celtic, by contrast, prop up the table with just two points, and Solskjaer believes the 3-1 scoreline flattered his side in the reverse fixture.

"Celtic had the possession and dominated the game and we hit them on the break really well," added Solskjaer. "The goals were top class but although 3-1 was a great result, the boys can perform better."

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